Making Your College Decision

How are you doing with making your college decision? By now all seniors have received the news about whether or not you have been accepted. Receiving news about the decision from the college(s) of your dreams can be extremely stressful. It is rewarding and a weight off when the news is good and you find that the school you were hoping to be able to attend also wants you as a student at their college. But when the news isn't what you had hoped and you find out that you were rejected, it can be disappointing and frustrating. Unfortunately, the reality is that everyone will not be accepted to every single school. You may have been a great candidate and have so much to offer to the college, but it is all a part of the process.

I acknowledge that it is sad when you are rejected and find out that your "dream school" is no longer an option and I am here to listen. I would also like to remind you that life does go on and there are plenty of other great schools that will be thrilled to have you as a member of their incoming class. This Wall Street Journal article highlights some famous people who all have in common the fact that they were rejected by their "dream" school. After allowing themselves time to process through their disappointment, they refocused on making the most of the opportunities available to them at their other college choices and, as a result, today they are all successful. I don't have any magical answers for why one student gets accepted and another seemingly comparable student does not, but I do know that you can and will be successful in the future. Believe in yourself and know that the college where you complete your undergraduate degree will be lucky to have you as a member of their class.

If you are struggling with making your decision between two seemingly equal schools, consider making a pro/con list. I realize that it may sound simplistic, but if you really work through it and figure out what you want in a college and how important each of the different factors are to you, it can help.

Here are some other articles that might be helpful to you as you are weighing your options regarding where you would like to attend:
What students forget to do when picking a college
The college decision from the professors’ perspective
Admission to college, with catch: year's wait
Six keys to starting at community college

As always, please don’t hesitate to stop by and see me if you need someone to listen while you talk through your options and your decision. May 1st (National Decision Day) is quickly approaching! Also, don’t forget, once you decide, I want to know where you plan to attend so stop by to update me on your decision!